Monday, 18 July 2011

Antilock Brakes Would Prevent Motorcycle Accidents

It’s been no secret to Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorneys that motorcycle manufacturers have lagged behind the auto industry when it comes to making vehicles safer. This has contributed to disproportionately high numbers of motorcycle accidents every year, when compared to auto accidents.

The auto industry has invested heavily in safety technologies that can prevent car accidents and minimize injuries in an auto accident. This has contributed substantially to the lowering rates of auto accident fatalities over the past decade. Americans are driving cars that are safer than they were a decade ago. Seat belts, side airbags, electronic stability control systems - all of these have helped minimize the risk of serious injuries and helped prevent car accidents.

In contrast, the motorcycle industry has failed to keep pace with the growing need for safety devices. There are more motorcyclists on our roads now than they were a couple of decades ago, and that has increased the number of accidents involving motorcyclists. In this scenario, it makes sense for the motorcycle industry to invest in accident prevention technology.

One such technology is antilock braking systems for motorcycles. There are studies to indicate that anti-lock braking systems can help prevent certain types of motorcycle crashes, such as when a motorcycle rider applies the brakes at high speeds.

The National Transportation Safety Board has urged motorcycle manufacturers to do more to enhance the safety of their bikes. Last year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released the results of a study which showed that motorcycles equipped with anti-lock brakes were involved in 37% fewer fatal motorcycle accidents.

Some motorcycle manufacturers have heeded the call of the NTSB. BMW recently made anti-lock braking systems standard on motorcycles beginning with the 2012 model year. However, the difference between the auto industry and the motorcycle industry is stark when it comes to investing in safety. The difference needs to narrow if we are to see any reduction in motorcycle accident fatalities over the next few years.